Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1887-09-05
an indian Princes Views.

The Thakore Sahib, who is prince in
India and sovereign Of au Independent State,
states that British rule, in his opinion, is a
blessing to that people. There arei in India,
he states, about 300 tolerably distinct Ian
guages. and outside the British administra-
ton, bat under British influence, about SOC
independent States governed by native
princes. These States cover almost one hall
Of the whole territory of the Indian empire.
The English do not interfere with their in
dependence. On the contrary each State
! has an army Of its own, in which the officers
are hereditary. The armies are maintained,
| it appears, according to the Thakore Sahib,
more TO support the dignity of the princes
| than for any practical purpose. mo Indian
prince" be says, would ever think of dis
banding his army 1t is not retained, he is
careful to suggest, for use against the Eng
lish Victoria is our Empress" ne declares
with touch of enthusiasm, land We are all
loyal to her. The Indians and English have
often fought side by side. In 200 years the
Indians have not been at war with England.
On the contrary, we are always ready to
fight England's battles The last war with
Afghanistan is cited by the Prince as an in.
SlduCC Cl uuc ilalINO DO0lto Niu-
ing the British, and the fact is mentioned
that '.some OF the larger Indian States Of
fered separately to send their own armies
into Afahanistan and do the fighting with
out troubling the British troops about it,"
As for what is called the Indian mutiny
of thirty years ago." the Prince de.
clares that the term "mutiny" as applied
10 it is an error "It was not an Indian
mutiny,n he asserts sit was merely
the rebellion OF number of troops of the
British-Indian army, who were paid by the
British-Indian government" AS if to clinch
his argument, so far at least as the native
States are concerned, he adds: I'VE are as
loyal TO the Empress of Iudia as any of her
subjects in any part of her wide dominions."
In explanation of the pleasant feeling exist
ing the Prince dwells somewhat on the Brit
ish policy of non interference. He himself
was educnted at college founded by an
English official for the education of native
princes, and the English language is taught
in all the schools side BY side with the local
language But no religion is taught in the
schools; that is left to the priests. Even in
British India the Christian religion is given
40 advantage over others. Nor has it been
adopted, he thinks, ito any extent" by the
princes or people, The disposition is to ad
here 10 the religion OF ones ancestors. He
himself is Hindoo. AS for the government
OF the native States, it is in the hands of the
princes. Some have legislative council to
advise them; others dispense with it. There
is no legislative council" he adds, Gin my
territory. The power Of the prince is abso-
lutte But the laws are written and the peo-
pie are law. abiding. A few policemen,
without arms, suffice to maintain order. )"
! The republican form of government" he
says, suits this country 1t would not suit
US Every country will have just that form
Of government that suits 1t best. Whenever
your people get tired of their present form
of government they will bring about a
change"